The best concerts of 2003, part III (the finale)

7. Fort Lauderdale Sound Advice Blues Festival, Oct. 31-Nov. 2, Fort Lauderdale Festival Site. The city of Fort Lauderdale mounted one of its best blues fest lineups in what may likely have been the event's last year. Although Georgia's Precious Bryant had to cancel due to a back injury, and Hill Country blues great Robert Belfour's set was marred by godawful acoustics (his own fault, the sound men and all involved agreed, as Belfour struggled with the controls on a new instrument), the 17th annual edition featured several memorable performances. Some highlights: an all-star summit comprising Carey Bell, Hubert Sumlin, Bob Margolin and Rich Del Grosso performing Delta blues and down-home renditions of Chicago favorites in the round; Muddy Waters alum Paul Oscher switching among guitar, several harmonicas (including the enormous bass harp) and piano and singing in his idiosyncratic and humorous style; Rory Block literally stomping holes in the Back Woods Acoustic Stage as her high-heeled boots kept time on propulsive, driving renditions of country blues expertly and none-too-gingerly pulled from her guitar while she defied the steadily falling rain which dripped and spattered on her and her guitar; Otis Taylor spinning tales that were both bleak and hopeful, but always rhythmically interesting, in the dusty, impassioned voice of an otherworldly prophet; and Mississippi groove prodigy Slick Ballinger, wowing crowds with his over-the-top energy and enthusiasm and raw yet undeniable talent.

The event concluded with terrifically entertaining sets by Bobby Rush, whose athletic leaps and high kicks defied his 68 years and whose voluptuous backup dancers almost made you forget how good the band was; and Solomon Burke, who performed his entire set from atop a massive throne but whose charisma was absolutely magnetic as he delved into his signature soul tunes as well as a couple from his latest album, Don't Give Up on Me. Although it would be beyond depressing if the city doesn't host an 18th blues fest, they certainly went out on a high note, if this proves to be the last.